Wu Yanni, often nicknamed in China the “goddess of track and field,” scandalized local media after wearing makeup while competing at the 2024 National Athletics Championships in Shandong province, eastern China, on June 20.
The 26-year-old won the women’s 100-meter hurdles, looking great as she clocked a stunning 12.74 seconds, the best Asian performance of the season, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on July 5.
Highlights
- Wu Yanni won the women's 100-meter hurdles at the 2024 National Athletics Championships with the best Asian performance of the season, clocking 12.74 seconds.
- Wu faced scrutiny on social media after her fake eyelashes fell off during a post-race interview, prompting divided opinions.
- Despite criticism, Wu is admired by some for her confidence and athletic abilities, earning nicknames like 'the goddess of track and field.'
However, during a post-race interview, Wu rubbed her eyes, causing her fake eyelashes to fall off and prompting the athlete to hide the beauty malfunction by covering one of her eyes with her hand.
Clips of the awkward blunder started circulating on Chinese social media, prompting scrutiny and divided opinions.
Wu Yanni, often nicknamed in China the “goddess of track and field,” scandalized local media
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Nevertheless, a handful of viewers expressed their admiration, as a person commented on Weibo, as per the SCMP: “Covering your eye is so funny and adorable! You are a sincere and talented female athlete.”
After coming in a disappointing 10th place in the 2024 Diamond League Women’s 100-meter hurdles held on the southeastern coast of China, Xiamen, on April 20, criticism about Wu’s physique was continuously unveiled.
Wu stunned after wearing makeup while competing at the 2024 National Athletics Championships
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Image credits: CGTN Sports Scene
At the time, fans of the sport criticized her on social media, as per MSN: “Her excessive concern for her appearance is the cause for her poor performance.”
During the Diamond League race, the Chinese national champion sported dramatic eye makeup featuring star-shaped rhinestones.
Wu successfully competed in Shandong province, eastern China, on June 20
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Despite occasional backlash, it is Wu’s physical appearance and outgoing personality, in addition to her impressive athleticism, that has earned her the nickname the goddess of track and field.
Last year, the sportswoman, who had just won silver in the 100-meter women’s hurdles in the World University Games, hit back at critics of her “bad girl” tattoo, saying the body art is a symbol of her self-confidence.
Last year, the Chinese national champion sported dramatic eye makeup featuring star-shaped rhinestones
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After ensuring her qualification for the Paris Olympic Games, some observers preferred to focus on her tattooed right arm.
During her hurdling heroics, Wu hid her tattoo – a crown surrounded by blooming flowers to signify victory – with a covering of red tape, the SCMP reported in August 2023.
Image credits: CGTN Sports Scene
Last year, Wu, who had just won silver in the 100-meter women’s hurdles in the World University Games, hit back at critics
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Some criticized her with comments such as “only bad girls have tattoos,” “her tattoo has bad influence on children,” and “even gang members don’t have tattoos now.”
According to the SCMP, China bans people under 18 from being inked and has outlawed the showing of tattoos on TV, live streams, or videos on social media.
People have previously criticized Wu with comments such as “Only bad girls have tattoos”
Image credits: CGTN Sports Scene
However, China’s General Administration of Sport has reportedly only officially banned footballers from the practice.
Wu openly talked about the issue in an interview with state broadcaster China Central Television three years ago, saying: “I am confident in myself. I don’t have that tattoo for nothing.”
The 2024 Summer Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11.